TRADERS in Kirkburton face another battle now the busy petrol station in the centre of the village has closed.

Members of Kirkburton Business Association said many of the motorists who used the North Road petrol station also bought products from local shops.

But now that market has gone and the site is to be used for housing.

Takings at all the businesses in the village have dropped since the garage closed, as many of them relied on the passing trade that the garage brought, said the association's Press secretary, Sally Ibberson.

"The petrol station provided people with a great vantage point from which they could survey the village shops while filling up their car with petrol.

"They would notice the florist's shop, the chemist, baker, cashpoint machine or children's workshop," she said.

"But the petrol station is no more and the village no longer has a heart," added Ms Ibberson.

"We accept that the site is to be developed into houses and that this is today's progress - but we don't have to like it."

However, the association is not going to sit back.

Members have come up with a number of events to raise awareness of the facilities on offer.

There will be a Christmas fun day on Saturday, December 6, with fancy dress and competitions.

Also, the shopkeepers have clubbed together to buy more Christmas trees and lights to put up throughout the village.

Some businesses plan late-night opening, to make shopping easier for people who work full time.

And a number of events have also been planned for next year.

"We hope these events and the business association's approach will help to bring a heartbeat back to the village," said Ms Ibberson.